Everything You Want to Know About the All-New Kia Telluride Hybrid

Kia’s Flagship Three-Row SUV Adds a Hybrid Option

For years, the Telluride’s biggest knock was fuel economy. You got a great cabin, solid towing, and real three-row space, but that V6 drank gas like it had somewhere to be. The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid fixes that problem entirely, pairing a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motors for 329 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.

• A turbo-hybrid system cranks out 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque while returning up to 35 mpg combined (FWD) or 31 mpg combined (AWD).
• Five trim levels range from the EX at $46,490 MSRP to the X-Line SX Prestige at $57,590 MSRP, all with seven-passenger seating and captain’s chairs.
• Kia backs the hybrid battery with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, and the powertrain gets the same coverage.

What Powers the Telluride Hybrid

Gone is the old V6. In its place sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motors. Combined output hits 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are on the menu, and every hybrid model comes standard with Electric Vehicle Motion Control (e-VMC) for better handling.

Fuel economy is where the hybrid really separates itself. The EX FWD trim earns EPA ratings of 34 city, 36 highway, and 35 combined. Opt for AWD, and those numbers shift to 30/32/31. Kia estimates a total driving range of 637 miles on the EX FWD. For comparison, the gas-only Telluride sits at 22 mpg combined with FWD and 20 mpg with AWD.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Kia offers five hybrid trims, and the spread covers a lot of ground. The EX starts at $46,490 MSRP and comes with heated and ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, smart power liftgate, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual 12.3-inch screens, and 19 standard driver-assist features.

The SX ($51,490) is where things start to feel noticeably upscale, with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and a Meridian 14-speaker audio system. Want the rugged look? The X-Line SX ($54,490) is AWD-only with terrain mode, 21-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior accents.

At the top, the SX Prestige ($56,590) adds heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats, a 12-inch Head-Up Display, Full Display digital rearview mirror, and a massaging driver’s seat. The X-Line SX Prestige ($57,590) wraps all of that in the X-Line’s off-road styling, with SynTex suede headliner and dark badging.

Cabin Space and Passenger Features

All Telluride Hybrid trims seat seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs. This second-generation model grew in every direction, with more headroom up front, better third-row access, and extra cargo room. The third row reclines and splits 60/40, so you can configure it for passengers or fold it flat when you’re hauling gear.

Road noise was clearly a priority during the redesign. Triple door seals, acoustic windshield glass, and added insulation make the Telluride feel quieter than most SUVs at highway speed. Ceiling-mounted rear vents give third-row passengers their own airflow from the tri-zone temperature system. On the top two trims, the Executive Package adds heated third-row outboard seats and reclining second-row seats with relaxation mode.

Tech and Safety You’ll Actually Use

Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system spans those dual 12.3-inch displays and supports over-the-air updates, so you won’t need dealer visits for software refreshes. A generative AI voice assistant responds to natural language commands instead of forcing you to memorize specific phrases.

Safety-wise, every trim comes well-armed with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop and Go, and Rear Occupant Alert with radar sensors. Step up from the EX, and you’ll pick up Highway Driving Assist 2 with semi-autonomous lane changes, along with Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. The SX Prestige trims tack on Remote Smart Parking Assist and Digital Key 2.0.

Towing and Off-Road Capability

The hybrid Telluride can tow up to 4,500 pounds, which covers most small trailers, jet skis, and lightweight campers. Trailer Stability Assist is standard across the lineup, along with Hill-Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control. X-Line models add a Multi-Terrain AWD system for gravel roads and light trails, while the gas-only X-Pro trims push ground clearance to 9.1 inches with all-terrain tires.

Is the Hybrid Worth the Extra Cost?

Compared to the gas Telluride, the hybrid’s starting price is about $7,300 higher. But the fuel economy jumped from 22 mpg combined to 35 mpg combined (FWD) is massive. At 15,000 miles a year and $3.50 per gallon, you’d save roughly $850 annually on gas, which means the price gap closes within a few years. You also pick up 55 more horsepower over the standard turbo engine, so you’re getting more power and better mileage in the same package.

Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile coverage on the hybrid battery and powertrain sweetens the long-term ownership picture too. There’s no plug required, no charging infrastructure to worry about, and routine maintenance stays similar to a gas vehicle. For families who want a three-row SUV that sips fuel and still has the muscle to tow with confidence, the Telluride Hybrid is tough to beat.

Kia Telluride Hybrid Trim Comparison

Kia Telluride Hybrid FAQ

When did the Kia Telluride Hybrid go on sale?

Kia America announced pricing for the Telluride Hybrid in February 2026, and the vehicle began arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2026. This is the first time a hybrid powertrain has been offered on the Telluride.

What engine does the Telluride Hybrid use?

It runs a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine paired with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motors. Total system output is 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, sent through a six-speed automatic transmission.

What kind of fuel economy does it get?

The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy is 35 mpg on the EX FWD trim (34 city / 36 highway). With all-wheel drive, fuel economy drops to 31 mpg combined (30 city / 32 highway). Kia estimates a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the EX FWD.

Do you have to plug in the Telluride Hybrid?

No. The Telluride Hybrid is a traditional hybrid, not a plug-in. The battery recharges automatically through regenerative braking and the engine. You fill up with gas and drive like any other vehicle.

How many passengers does the Telluride Hybrid seat?

All hybrid trims seat seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 split-folding, reclining third row.

What is the towing capacity?

The Telluride Hybrid has a standard towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Trailer Stability Assist, Hill-Start Assist, and Downhill Brake Control all come standard.

What trim levels are offered on the hybrid?

Five trims are available: EX ($46,490), SX ($51,490), X-Line SX ($54,490), SX Prestige ($56,590), and X-Line SX Prestige ($57,590). All prices are MSRP before destination charges.

What warranty covers the hybrid battery?

Kia covers the hybrid battery and hybrid system with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. The powertrain also gets 10-year/100,000-mile coverage, and the base warranty runs 5 years/60,000 miles.

Where is the Telluride Hybrid built?

The Telluride Hybrid is assembled at Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

Is all-wheel drive available on every trim?

AWD is available on the EX trim. The X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige come with AWD standard. The SX is offered in front-wheel drive only for the hybrid model.